Food trailer buying checklist: 25 things to check

Updated October 2026 · TX Food Trailers, Houston, Texas

Paperwork

1. A 17-digit VIN that decodes on NHTSA's VIN decoder.
2. A federal safety (FMVSS) certification label on the trailer.
3. A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new) or a Texas title (used).
4. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the label, and a tow vehicle rated for it.
5. A written build sheet listing every item with model numbers.

Water and sinks

6. 3-compartment sink with drainboards.
7. Separate hand sink.
8. Hot and cold running water.
9. Fresh and waste water tanks, with the waste tank larger than the fresh tank.
10. Easy fill and drain connections.

Electrical

11. US 120V or 120/240V, 60 Hz wiring with UL-listed parts.
12. A weather-rated male power inlet (50 amp is common), never a double-male cord.
13. Enough outlets on separate circuits for every appliance.
14. Dedicated circuits for high-draw equipment such as espresso machines.
15. A breaker panel you can reach.

Cooking and fire safety

16. A Type I hood with no gaps between filters, a grease rail and drip pans.
17. Vapor-proof lighting inside the hood.
18. A fire suppression system over cooking equipment, inspected and tagged by a licensed company.
19. A red ABC 3A:40BC extinguisher and, if you fry, a Type K extinguisher.
20. Propane cylinders secured, a shut-off valve with signage, and a gas leak alarm.

Build and equipment

21. Stainless food-contact surfaces that are easy to clean.
22. Commercial (NSF or ETL listed) cooking and refrigeration equipment.
23. Brakes, tires, lights and safety chains in good order.

Payment

24. A signed contract with the price and payment schedule before any deposit.
25. Payments only to the seller's business bank account, never gift cards, crypto or a personal account.

Every TX Food Trailers model lists these items on its page, and the how it works page explains our documents and payments.

Questions

Sources

• NHTSA VIN Decoder
• TxDMV: Trailers
• City of Houston Fire Marshal: 2026 Food Truck Inspection Points (PDF)
• Texas DSHS: Mobile Food Vendors

Rules and fees change. Confirm current requirements with the agency before you apply.